The Future of Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Chief Operating Officers are no longer just execution masters. They are system architects, strategy translators, and cross-functional force multipliers.

In a world where complexity compounds and priorities shift overnight, COOs are becoming the indispensable center of organizational gravity.

We’re launching a study to uncover how today’s COOs are adapting their roles, leveraging AI, and sustaining alignment in high-stakes environments..

To honor the most insightful contribution, one participant will receive a $10,000 scholarship toward a world-class executive education program.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Participate

Why This Study Now?

Organizations are scaling faster, breaking silos, and launching more initiatives with fewer resources.And yet, complexity keeps growing.

The COO sits at the eye of the storm—holding it all together. They’re orchestrating across functions, managing trade-offs, and ensuring that what’s promised gets delivered.

Now, AI is reshaping how work gets done.

The COOs who master this shift won’t just optimize operations—they’ll redefine what operational excellence means.Work has changed—but the systems around it haven’t kept up.

How COOs Are Actually Using AI

How They Earn Trust Across Executive Teams

What a Best-in-Class Operations Stack Looks Like in 2025

What Workflows They’ve Automated or Augmented

How It Works

Participate in an up to 20-minute AI interview and get early access to the results.

1. Start the AI Interview

You’ll meet our research assistant—powered by Complex Chaos. It will ask you 8–10 questions about your role, your challenges, and how (or if) AI is entering your workflows. Start now!

2. Your Answers Fuel the Study

We’ll anonymize and analyze hundreds of responses to surface the patterns, pain points, and breakthroughs shaping this evolving function.

3. Get Early Access to Results

Receive an executive summary of key findings before we publish and opt-in to a Op-Eds.

Who Should Participate?

We’re gathering perspectives from the operators shaping the next generation of company-building:

COOs and Heads of Operations at high-growth or transformation-stage companies.

Generalists turned operators holding cross-functional responsibilities.

Strategic operators focused on scale, alignment, and velocity.

What You’ll Walk Away With

This isn’t about operational theory—it’s about practical, powerful ways to lead through complexity with clarity.

By participating, you’ll walk away with:

A benchmark of how peers are adapting and scaling operations.
New ideas for leveraging AI to reduce friction and amplify coordination.
First access to the 2025 COO Benchmark Report.

Executive Education Award

To recognize the depth and quality of insights shared, we’re selecting one standout participant to receive a $10,000 scholarship toward a world-class executive education program.